China’s New EV Efficiency Rules for 2026: What They Mean for the rest of the world
- 3 min reading time
The global electric-vehicle market is entering a new and exciting phase — one where efficiency matters as much as range.
From 2026, China will enforce the world’s first mandatory energy-consumption standard for electric vehicles, setting strict limits on how much electricity an EV can use per 100 km. This regulation applies only to vehicles sold in China but we reckon the ripple effects will be felt far beyond its borders — including in Italy and Australia.
What Is Changing in China
Starting 1 January 2026, battery-electric passenger vehicles sold in China must comply with mandatory energy-efficiency limits, measured in kWh per 100 km.
Unlike voluntary guidelines used in many markets today, this is a binding, per-vehicle standard.
As an example:
- An EV weighing around 2,000 kg must not exceed 15.1 kWh per 100 km
- Lighter vehicles must be even more efficient
- Heavier vehicles receive slightly higher allowances
Vehicles that do not meet these limits may lose access to purchase tax incentives and face market restrictions.
Why This Matters Outside China
China is the largest EV market in the world. When it introduces technical standards, global manufacturers adapt — not just for China, but for all markets using shared vehicle platforms.
That means many EVs sold in Europe and Australia over the coming years will likely be:
- Designed with higher efficiency targets
- Optimised for real-world energy use
- Less dependent on oversized battery packs
In short: better EVs for everyone, regardless of where the regulation applies.
What This Means European EV Drivers
In Europe, EV regulation has traditionally focused on emissions targets, not energy consumption. China’s new approach adds a different perspective — how efficiently electricity is used, not just whether the vehicle is electric.
For European drivers, this could translate into:
- EVs with lower running costs
More consistent real-world range - Improved charging efficiency at home and on the road
- Vehicles better suited to urban and mixed driving environments
As China-compliant platforms enter Europe, efficiency improvements may arrive without any immediate regulatory change.
What This Means for Australia and New Zealand EV drivers
Australia does not currently enforce a national EV energy-efficiency standard. However, most EVs sold locally are imported, often sharing platforms with vehicles sold in China and Europe.
For Australian EV drivers, efficiency matters — especially given:
- Long driving distances
- Developing charging infrastructure
- Regional and rural travel needs
- More efficient EVs mean:
- Less energy consumed per charge
- Better real-world usability
- Reduced dependence on ultra-large battery packs
Efficiency isn’t just a regulation — it’s a practical advantage.
A Shift Toward Smarter EV Design
China’s policy sends a clear signal to the industry that the future of EVs isn’t just longer range — it’s smarter use of energy.
This encourages manufacturers to focus on:
- Lighter vehicle architectures
- Improved aerodynamics
- More efficient motors and power electronics
- Smarter energy management systems
There are no confirmed plans for Italy, the EU, or Australia to adopt mandatory EV energy-consumption caps however, efficiency is increasingly part of broader discussions around grid stability, charging infrastructure, and energy costs
China’s approach may serve as a reference point as EV adoption continues to grow globally.
For EV drivers in Italy and Australia, this trend points toward:
- More efficient vehicles
- Lower energy costs
- Smarter charging behaviour
- Better alignment between EVs and real-world driving needs.
At EVORIQ™, we design our charging solutions with this future in mind — supporting EV drivers with reliable, efficient, and thoughtfully engineered products, wherever the road takes you.